Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient’s autonomy?

Assessment Description
In addition to the topic Resources, use the chart you completed and questions you answered in the Topic 3 about “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy” as the basis for your responses in this assignment.
Answer the following questions about a patient’s spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview.
In 200-250 words, respond to the following: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient’s autonomy? Explain your rationale.
In 400-500 words, respond to the following: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James’s care?
In 200-250 words, respond to the following: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
THE ANSWER
Question 1: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient’s autonomy? Explain your rationale.
Respecting a patient’s autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare, and it should not be lightly overridden. In Mike’s case, he believes that pursuing further medical treatment for James would be irrational and potentially harmful due to his Christian worldview and belief in God’s plan. As a healthcare provider, the physician should engage in open and empathetic communication with Mike to understand his perspective fully.
However, the physician must also consider the best interests of the patient, James, who is not able to make decisions for himself. Balancing autonomy with beneficence (doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm) is challenging. In cases where a patient’s decision-making appears irrational and potentially harmful, it is crucial for the physician to explore alternatives and provide information that aligns with medical standards and evidence-based practice.
The physician should engage Mike in a shared decision-making process. This involves presenting the available treatment options, discussing potential risks and benefits, and addressing Mike’s concerns within the framework of his Christian beliefs. It may be necessary to involve a chaplain or spiritual counselor to facilitate this discussion. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize James’s best interests while respecting Mike’s autonomy to the extent possible.
Question 2: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James’s care?
A Christian worldview often views sickness and health as part of God’s divine plan and purpose. Illness can be seen as a test of faith, an opportunity for growth, or a means through which God works in mysterious ways. However, it is essential to recognize that the Christian perspective on medical intervention varies among individuals and denominations.
Mike, as a Christian, should approach James’s healthcare decisions with prayer, seeking guidance from his faith, and consulting trusted spiritual leaders. He should remember that while God is the ultimate healer, God may work through medical professionals and interventions. Mike should weigh the principles of beneficence (doing what is best for James) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm) alongside his faith.
Honoring these principles may involve seeking medical treatment that aligns with established medical standards and has the potential to improve James’s health and well-being. This decision does not necessarily contradict trusting God but can be seen as a means of cooperating with God’s plan for healing.
It is essential for Mike to engage in open dialogue with the healthcare team, including discussing his religious beliefs, fears, and concerns. Through this dialogue, a mutually acceptable plan can be developed that respects both James’s medical needs and Mike’s Christian values.
Question 3: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike in determining appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?
A spiritual needs assessment is crucial in understanding a patient’s and family’s belief systems, values, and priorities in the context of healthcare decisions. In James’s case, it can help the physician better comprehend Mike’s Christian worldview, the role of faith in decision-making, and any potential conflicts between medical interventions and religious beliefs.
Such an assessment can provide insights into Mike’s perspectives on life, death, suffering, and the role of God in his family’s well-being. It can reveal whether Mike sees medical intervention as complementary to, or in tension with, his faith.
By conducting a spiritual needs assessment, the physician can tailor communication and care plans that respect Mike’s values while ensuring the best interests of James are considered. This assessment may also identify specific spiritual resources, such as chaplaincy services or support groups, that can provide emotional and spiritual support to Mike and his family during challenging times. Ultimately, it promotes a patient-centered approach that honors both the medical and spiritual dimensions of healthcare.